Supporting the Teaching of Native American Content: Results From a Pilot Test of Native Knowledge 360 Educational Materials

• In Event: Poster Session 5
  In Poster Session: The English Learners in the Mainstream (ELM) Project: A Comprehensive Teacher Training Model

Abstract

The objective of this study was to establish the quality of NK-360 instructional materials and to identify barriers to the incorporation of multicultural content describing Native American perspectives into existing K - 12 curricula. Observational data revealed evidence of moderate levels of student attention, engagement, and cognitive activity during pilot testing – suggesting NK-360 materials are able to support positive student outcomes. Further, collected data identified individual and societal level barriers with the potential to undermine multicultural curriculum reform. Discussion concerns the importance of educational initiatives – such as NK-360 - that are designed to disseminate culturally accurate instructional content and support educators as they work to provide a more inclusive representation of Native Americans within their classrooms.

Authors

• Christopher Lee Thomas, Ball State University

• Edwin Schupman

• Joshua Heath, Ball State University

• Jerrell C. Cassady, Ball State University

• Eric E Ballenger, Ball State University